ASDs are almost 5 times more common among boys (1 in 54) than among girls (1 in 252).

The largest increases have been among Hispanic children (110%) and black children (91%). "We suspect that some of this increase is due to greater awareness and better identification among these groups," says the CDC. "However, this finding explains only part of the increase."

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More children are being diagnosed at earlier ages, though most children are not diagnosed until after they reach age 4, even though early identification and intervention can help a child access services and learn new skills.

Through its Learn the Signs. Act Early program, the CDC provides free tools to help parents track their child's development and free resources for doctors and educators.

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